Tag Archive for: Together02182025

Large-print Christian Worship hymnal available

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In a joint effort between the Mission for the Visually Impaired (MVI), part of WELS Commission on Special Ministries, and Northwestern Publishing House, the large-print edition of Christian Worship: Hymnal is now available.Ā 

The large-print hymnal includes the full content of Christian Worship: Hymnal but in a larger format to aid those with vision problems.Ā Ā 

ā€œOver 20 percent of all WELS members have some type of visual impairment,ā€ says Mr. Lawrence Povinelli, MVIā€™s chairman. ā€œStatistics show that as we age we lose sight, and it made sense to offer the hymnal in large print.ā€Ā 

Making this available is important, explains Povinelli, because ā€œall want to participate in worship and have access to our worship materials. The reduction in eyesight should not close the door to participating in worship.ā€Ā 

The large-print hymnal is available for purchase by individuals and congregations and is available on the Northwestern Publishing House website for $54.99.Ā Ā 

The Mission for the Visually Impaired was started to provide braille materials to the blind. Over its 60 years, it has evolved into providing audio, large print, flash drives, and now an online listen library. The listen library has major WELS publications, such as Meditations, Forward in Christ, People’s Bible Commentary, and countless other materials in audio. It is password protected as it is only available to those that have visual impairments, as well as those who are print impaired. Anyone can check out the listen library atā€Ælisten.wels.net.Ā 

 

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Special Ministries helps you serve

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It is likely stating the obvious that not everyone your congregation has the opportunity to serve with the gospel regularly sits in the pews of your church or the various classrooms of your congregation. Maybe you are aware of those in unique situations who could be served by your congregation, and perhaps you wonder or struggle how to serve them. This edition of Together highlights a number of the resources available through WELS Commission on Special Ministries.Ā Ā 

Special Ministries has several main areas that seek to help Godā€™s people serve those who are not served in the normal course of a congregationā€™s ministry: Ministry to the Military, Prison Ministry, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Ministry, Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Mission for the Visually Impaired, Mental Health Needs Committee, Care Committee for Called Workers, Health and Wellness Committee, and a Chaplain Certification program. Subgroups or partners serve under a number of these areas. Ā Ā 

You can find more information on all of these areas at wels.net/special-ministries. This site also offers opportunities to refer people who might be served by one of these areas.Ā Ā Ā 

So often I hear ā€œI had no idea that our synod had . . . ā€ It is my prayer that this edition of Together helps you better understand all that Special Ministries offers to help you and your congregation get the gospel to those who may be in one of these unique or difficult situations in life.Ā Ā 

The words of our Savior in Matthew 25:40 guide the work of Special Ministries: ā€œTruly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.ā€ Those words remind us that, ultimately, we are serving our Savior in everything we do. The privilege our Savior gives us is to serve others with the life-saving gospel as we serve him. Special Ministries stands ready to assist you in whatever way we can. Feel free to reach out at [email protected].Ā 

In Christ,
Rev. Joel Gaertner
Director, WELS Commission on Special MinistriesĀ 

 

 

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Military retreat in Japan

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WELS Military Chaplain Rev. Paul Horn and his daughter Calliope (a senior at Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis.) traveled to Okinawa, Japan, in January to host a WELS Ministry to the Military retreat for WELS military members stationed in the Pacific. Four branches of the militaryā€”Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Armyā€”were represented and included members from Guam, Japan, and South Korea. The weekend was packed with events such as Bible study and Sunday school on the beach, worship that included a teen confirmation, and fellowship activities. WELS Ministry to the Military, a part of WELS Special Ministries, provides live online worship and Bible study every weekend for those stationed in the Pacific, and future retreats are being planned. Refer WELS members in the military at wels.net/military.

 

 

Service member referral

Military members and their families can receive devotions and other spiritual help materials in the mail or by e-mail.

Referral form

 

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Resources from the Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

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WELS Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MDHH), part of the WELS Commission on Special Ministries, seeks to help congregations share the gospel of Jesus Christ with members of WELS and others who are deaf or hard of hearing. The MDHH has various resources to assist members and congregations in meeting the spiritual needs of those with hearing loss.Ā 

Hearing loop grantĀ 

The MDHH is offering $500 grants to congregations that install hearing loops in their sanctuaries. A hearing loop works with peopleā€™s hearing aids to provide a clearer sound directly into their ears. Perhaps your church had issues with the audio for the livestream and the sound cut out for a portion of the sermon. Maybe the microphones werenā€™t set up to hear people singing. These scenarios can put up barriers to worship for those who are hard of hearing.Ā 

The MDHH is encouraging looping projects. If your church is already planning a renovation, it would be an ideal time to install a hearing loop. If your congregation might be interested in installing a loop in your sanctuary, reach out at [email protected] for more information.Ā 

Signed online Bible studyĀ 

The MDHHā€™s online deaf Bible study is a program specifically for deaf individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL). The pastor is hearing, but an interpreter is provided to facilitate communication. Participants can explore thought-provoking questions and engage in meaningful dialogue with both the pastor and fellow participants.Ā 

The classes are held weekly on Tuesday nights via Zoom. Anyone who is deaf and uses ASL is invited to the Bible study. The MDHH notes the study is not structured for someone trying to learn ASL.Ā 

Gerald Olson, a participant in the study, says, ā€œThe Deaf Online Bible Study is a comfortable place for me to ask questions in my native language, ASL. The answers are clear, and I have gained much understanding of the Bible throughout the years.ā€Ā 

To join, e-mail [email protected]ā€Æfor the Zoom link. The same Zoom link is used for each session.ā€ÆĀ 

Gospel HandsĀ 

Gospel Hands is an online religious sign language video dictionary for the deaf and interpreters to effectively share the gospel. This process has been a three-year project developed by the MDHH. The printed dictionary, ā€œSign to the Lord a new song,ā€ has been updated to an online dictionary with hundreds of videos that are more effectively understood and shared. The online video-based reference library includes not only many religious terms but also the creeds and common prayers used in worship services.Ā 

 

 

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175th anniversary resources available

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It is interesting how often the Bible speaks of ā€œgenerations.ā€ For example, the church sings in Psalm 145, ā€œOne generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty actsā€ (Psalm 145:4). Paul wrote to the Ephesians, ā€œNow to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amenā€ (Ephesians 3:20,21). The idea of Godā€™s saving work and his rule over all things extending from generation to generation and the encouragement to proclaim his works to the next generation are found throughout the Scriptures.Ā 

Perhaps this is why churches usually celebrate anniversaries in quarter-century increments. Twenty-five years approximates a generation. During this calendar year of 2025, WELS is celebrating its 175th anniversary. This is the first synod anniversary of the new millennium. It is an opportunity for a new generation (and older generations) to review with gratitude the blessings the Lord has showered upon our church body since its founding in 1850.Ā 

To help congregations focus on the anniversary by educating members on the synodā€™s history, two resources are now available. Monthly bulletin inserts highlighting key events in synod history are being produced. The first two months are available as PDFs in full-color, black-and-white, or text only on the WELS Historical Institute website. Please consider using these in your congregation.Ā 

In addition, an interactive timeline has been put together and is also on the website. The timeline contains short descriptions and photos with links to videos and articles that allow people to dig deeper into various topics. This timeline might especially be useful for teaching a class to confirmation students or adults on the history of WELS.Ā 

Special anniversary events are also being planned. Two coming up this spring involve the choirs of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and Martin Luther College. The joint concerts will include sets sung by each choir and then a third set sung by the combined choirs. These joint concerts take place on March 20 at 7 p.m. (Central) at St. Johnā€™s on the Hillside, Milwaukee, Wis., and on March 29 at 7 p.m. (Central) at the Martin Luther College Chapel of the Christ, New Ulm, Minn. The New Ulm concert will be livestreamed.Ā Ā 

More information on anniversary events and additional resources are posted at welshistoricalinstitute.org/175th.Ā 

It is my prayer that this anniversary will spark interest and appreciation for the blessings God has showered on WELS for 175 years. By his grace, he has raised up leaders among us who have been concerned about defending the pure gospel, preparing workers who serve the church, and proclaiming the good news of Jesusā€™ saving work throughout America and the world. By his grace, the message of Christ has come to us and gone out through us.Ā 

By Prof. Joel Otto, chairman of the 175th anniversary committee and dean of students at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis.

 

 

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Together Video – February 18, 2025

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Each year students at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., spend three days participating in “Mission and Ministry,” an event designed to showcase WELS ministries that are taking place around the world. It is an opportunity for students to meet missionaries, administrators, volunteers, congregational pastors, and others who are dedicated to supporting the spread of God’s Word. Students attend presentations and visit display booths as well as worship together each day. Learn more about the 2025 event, which took place Feb. 4-6.

 

 

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